Comment Rating makes “user moderated content” possible. This plugin automatically embeds clickable images in comments to allow visitors rate comments in Like vs. Dislike fashion. The votes are displayed along with the comments in either two numbers, one combined, or both.

Poorly rated comments (too many Dislikes, not enough Likes) can be hidden in a click-to-see link, just like those on Digg. Highly-rated comments (a lot Likes and few Dislikes) can be highlighted. Hotly-debated comments (many Likes and Dislikes) can also be highlighted to draw more attention, to fan more votes and comments.

About Craig WoolheaterCo-founder of Cryptomundo in 2005.
I have appeared in or contributed to the following TV programs, documentaries and films:
OLN's Mysterious Encounters: "Caddo Critter", Southern Fried Bigfoot, Travel Channel's Weird Travels: "Bigfoot", History Channel's MonsterQuest: "Swamp Stalker", The Wild Man of the Navidad, Destination America's Monsters and Mysteries in America: Texas Terror - Lake Worth Monster, Animal Planet's Finding Bigfoot: Return to Boggy Creek and Beast of the Bayou.

One way to look at it, it gives us an idea of the general consensus of the reaction to a specific comment. We can tell if more people agree with the comment or disagree. A barometer of the boards if you will.

It’d be nice if instead there were a marker for “thumbs up” and one for “spam.” While it’s nice to agree with someone you think has made valid points, it doesn’t seem like thumbs down is very helpful, especially the way many people use it.

Take, for example, a couple days ago, on a mysterious creature post. I found it fun and did a bit of research and made a couple guesses. Honestly, I didn’t even think my guesses were right (and I said that in the post). But when I shared my feedback and 10 people had given me a thumbs down, that doesn’t really make me want to keep contributing. It was all in fun anyway…

It seems like if “thumbs down” is used as a “nope, you’re wrong I’m right” instead of constructively as in a “this post doesn’t add to the discussion”, then it’s just hindering any feedback and discussion. Just my opinion…

It is Craig’s blog, and he has all kinds of ideas that he wants to try out. As a blogger here, however, I must say, I’ve watched this and don’t much like it. Thumbs down on the option to criticize someone’s heartfelt opinion, I say. It is hard enough for some people to comment without then having them worry that a bunch of haters are going to bull them into disappearing again. I just don’t get how this adds to any kind of open forum feeling here?

Loren I agree with you completely.It really seems like it gives power to the trolls instead of “user moderated content”.I can understand hiding spam and comments that are off of the posts discussion theme or even for being unnecessarily rude or hateful but with this method the possibility for misuse is very high.